There are certain things about Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) and his story that are alluded to in author Jeffrey Deaver’s The Never Game and its sequels that Tracker unfortunately hasn’t incorporated yet. Between his ability to blend in while on the job (he usually rents vehicles that look like police cars) and his expert knowledge of survival statistics, the Colter Shaw we see on television is a bit different from his original on-the-page counterpart. But there’s one element from the books that ought to be explored further on Tracker: his father’s list of rules.
Season 3 of Tracker isn’t just another continuation of Colter Shaw’s adventures—it’s the moment where the show can truly redefine itself. Fans who’ve read Jeffery Deaver’s Colter Shaw novels already know there’s far more to Shaw than what we’ve seen on screen. While Seasons 1 and 2 laid the groundwork—introducing Shaw as a survivalist, investigator, and reward-seeker—Season 3 is the golden opportunity to dig deeper into the layers of his character.
And let’s be honest—viewers are hungry for that. So, what exactly does Season 3 need to focus on? The books give us a clear answer: Colter Shaw’s complicated identity, shaped by his past, his family, and his inner conflicts.
The Power of Staying True to the Source Material
Adaptations are always tricky. You want to satisfy longtime fans of the books, but you also need to hook new viewers. The first two seasons of Tracker leaned heavily on fast-paced cases of the week. While entertaining, they barely scratched the surface of what makes Shaw unique.
Season 3 is the moment to change that by borrowing directly from Deaver’s novels. Shaw’s backstory—especially his upbringing in a survivalist family and his ongoing struggle with trust and belonging—is the emotional goldmine the series hasn’t fully tapped into.
Who Is Colter Shaw, Really?
Before diving into what Season 3 should explore, let’s quickly recap who Shaw is in both versions.
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On Screen: A rugged, intelligent “reward seeker” who helps solve crimes in exchange for money.
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In the Books: A man defined by his strange upbringing, scarred relationships, and the shadow of his father’s paranoia.
The TV show has only hinted at Shaw’s fractured childhood. But the books show us a deeper identity: Colter isn’t just motivated by money—he’s constantly questioning loyalty, morality, and the meaning of justice.
Season 3: Time to Explore Shaw’s Family Roots
If you’ve read the Colter Shaw books, you know that his family history is central to his identity. His father’s strict survivalist mindset, his strained connection with his siblings, and the haunting events of his past shape every decision he makes.
Season 3 could finally give fans what they’ve been waiting for: a storyline that weaves together Shaw’s professional cases with the unresolved mysteries of his childhood.
The Survivalist Upbringing: More Than Just Backstory
Growing up in isolation under the rule of a paranoid father wasn’t just a “fun fact” about Shaw—it defined him. His survival skills, his independence, even his suspicion of authority—all of these come from that intense childhood.
By bringing this to the forefront, Season 3 can explain not just how Shaw survives in dangerous situations, but why he lives the way he does. Viewers deserve to see how his past influences his present.
The Mystery of Trust and Belonging
One of the most compelling aspects of Shaw’s identity in the novels is his constant struggle with trust. Having been raised in an environment where betrayal and secrecy ruled, Shaw finds it almost impossible to fully connect with people.
Season 3 could finally showcase this conflict. Imagine episodes where Shaw is forced to choose between his survivalist instincts and genuine human connection. It’s the kind of internal battle that transforms a character from “TV hero” to unforgettable icon.
Colter’s Inner Conflict: Man of Logic vs. Man of Heart
Shaw is often portrayed as hyper-logical—someone who calculates risks and odds before making a move. But the books also show us a man with deep emotional scars. He’s constantly balancing logic with heart, and that tension makes him fascinating.
Season 3 could highlight this struggle more clearly. Should he follow cold, rational survival tactics, or should he listen to his emotional side? That tug-of-war is what makes Shaw relatable, even when he’s in extraordinary situations.
The Case for Slower, Character-Driven Episodes
One challenge the show faces is pacing. Fast, case-of-the-week plots keep things exciting, but they often overshadow deeper storytelling. If Season 3 slows down just a bit, it could create episodes that focus less on “catching the bad guy” and more on Colter’s evolution.
Think about shows like Breaking Bad or True Detective—their brilliance comes not just from the plot, but from how they peel back layers of character. Tracker could achieve the same effect by giving Shaw’s identity center stage.
Why Audiences Are Ready for a Deeper Colter Shaw
Let’s face it: modern audiences crave complexity. We don’t just want heroes who win—we want heroes who bleed, question themselves, and evolve. Shaw’s identity crisis is exactly the kind of storyline that could elevate Tracker from “fun procedural” to “must-watch drama.”
And here’s the kicker: it’s already written in the books. The material is there, waiting to be adapted.
What Themes Could Shine in Season 3?
To make the most of Shaw’s identity, Season 3 could explore themes like:
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Family loyalty vs. independence
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The price of isolation
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What it means to seek justice in a gray world
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The scars left by a paranoid father
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The eternal struggle between survival and connection
These aren’t just plot points—they’re universal struggles that resonate with every viewer.
The Risk of Ignoring the Books
If the show continues to gloss over Shaw’s deeper identity, it risks becoming just another procedural drama. There’s nothing wrong with episodic cases, but without character growth, audiences eventually lose interest.
Season 3 is the perfect time to avoid that trap. By leaning into the novels’ version of Shaw, the series can stand out in a crowded TV landscape.
How This Could Redefine the Series
Imagine this: Colter Shaw isn’t just solving mysteries—he’s unraveling the mystery of himself. Every case ties back to his past, his family, or his personal values. That kind of storytelling doesn’t just keep viewers entertained—it makes them invested.
Instead of asking, “What crime will he solve next?” audiences will be asking, “Who will Colter Shaw become next?”
Why Season 3 Is the Perfect Timing
Timing is everything in television. After two seasons of building Shaw’s reputation as a reward seeker, fans are ready for a deeper dive. Viewers now trust the character enough to follow him into more personal, emotional territory.
Season 3 isn’t just an opportunity—it’s the moment where Tracker can make the leap from good to great.
Conclusion: A Season That Could Change Everything
Season 3 of Tracker is more than just a continuation of Shaw’s adventures—it’s the season that could finally unlock the true Colter Shaw from Jeffery Deaver’s books. By embracing his complex family roots, his struggles with trust, and his internal battles, the show has the chance to evolve into something extraordinary.
Will Tracker take that leap? Fans are certainly ready for it.
